Ionix expands operations with Leeds move

A West Yorkshire-based technology company has relocated to larger premises in Leeds, marking “an exciting new chapter” in its growth story after nearly a decade at Huddersfield’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC).

Ionix Advanced Technologies was founded in 2011 as a University of Leeds start-up and has been at the 3M BIC since 2015.

Working across the extreme environment ultrasound and monitoring sphere, it is known for high-performance sensors and piezoceramic materials for industries in the energy, aerospace and automotive sectors.

Its products include HotSense™ transducers, which help monitor critical assets in extreme conditions, from -200°C to more than 550°C, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Since joining 3M BIC, Ionix has expanded its team from fewer than ten employees to more than 20, exporting products to 60 countries across six continents. 

The centre has been integral to the company’s growth, from working closely with academics from the University of Huddersfield on analytics, x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, as well as co-ordinate mapping and surface measurement with the National Physical Laboratory, which is also based at the 3M BIC. 

Ionix has also been able to take advantage of other technology available on Innovation Avenue at the 3M BIC, including its additive manufacturing capabilities.  

Managing director Steve Holding said: “Ionix needed the perfect combination of office and laboratory space, and 3M BIC was an ideal fit. 

“When we moved here, we were a team of nearly ten, we’ve now doubled to over 20 people and our sensors are shipped globally.

“Being based at the 3M BIC has offered us the flexibility to adapt our space as we’ve grown, which is essential for a business like ours that requires scalable, single-site operations for efficiency and cohesion.”

Sue Cooke, 3M BIC’s chief executive, added: “Watching Ionix grow from a small spin-out to a global leader over the last decade has been incredibly inspiring.

“Its move to larger premises marks an exciting new chapter and we’re thrilled to have played a role in the company’s growth.

“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a team that has played such an integral part in the 3M BIC community for so many years. 

“We’re excited, however, to see Ionix continue to thrive and make its mark in the industry, and look forward to welcoming new businesses to the centre.”

Ionix’s departure follows the path of Adventoris, another 3M BIC success story, which outgrew the centre last year and moved to larger premises in Huddersfield.

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